Liability Waiver, Release & Assumption of Risk

1. The Activity & Released Parties

Puppy & Flow ("Puppy & Flow," "we," "us," or "our") offers recreational puppy yoga classes in Westwood, Los Angeles, in which guests participate in a guided yoga session in the same room as live, unleashed puppies and dogs sourced from rescue organizations and ethical breeders (the "Activity"). The Activity is purely recreational. Attendance is voluntary. Guests may interact with, pet, hold, and photograph the puppies and dogs in the room subject to the rules in Section 12. Guests may not bring their own pets; service animals are accommodated to the extent required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and California law upon advance notice.

In this waiver, "Released Parties" means Puppy & Flow and its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, successors, owners, officers, directors, members, managers, employees, independent contractors, instructors, volunteers, agents, insurers, sponsors, partner organizations, puppy and dog handlers, foster families, the breeders and rescue organizations from which the animals are sourced, the studio venue and its owner, landlord, manager, and lessees, and anyone otherwise affiliated with the Activity or these animals.

"I," "me," "my," and "Participant" refer to the person signing this waiver and, where applicable under Section 14, the minor on whose behalf a parent or legal guardian is signing.

2. Acknowledgment of Inherent Risks

I understand and acknowledge that participating in the Activity involves known and unknown risks, dangers, and hazards that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken to avoid them, and that those risks may result in property damage, minor or serious bodily injury, permanent disability, illness, or death. These risks include, but are not limited to:

• Animal-related risks: being bitten (including bites that break skin and bites resulting in puncture, scarring, infection, nerve damage, or transmission of disease), scratched, jumped on, knocked down, tripped, head-butted, licked in the face or mouth, or otherwise contacted by puppies or dogs; being startled or frightened by an animal; allergic or asthmatic reactions to animal hair, dander, urine, feces, vomit, or saliva; exposure to fleas, ticks, mites, ringworm, or other parasites; and exposure to zoonotic illnesses including but not limited to giardia, kennel cough, campylobacter, salmonella, leptospirosis, Bordetella, parvovirus, distemper, and rabies. I acknowledge that puppies are not fully vaccinated, are still developing immune systems, and may not be reliably housebroken.
• Yoga and physical-activity risks: sprains, strains, fractures, torn muscles or ligaments, herniated discs, dislocations, joint and back injury, dizziness, fainting, dehydration, heat exhaustion or stroke, cardiovascular or respiratory events, aggravation of pre-existing conditions, and other injuries associated with stretching, balancing, inversion, or other movement.
• Premises and environmental risks: slipping, tripping, or falling on mats, floors, stairs, ramps, or sidewalks; contact with bodily fluids from animals or other guests; exposure to cleaning products, disinfectants, or other chemicals used to maintain the space; collisions with other people, animals, mats, props, or equipment; and risks associated with the studio entrance, lobby, restroom, parking lot, and the staircase between the parking area and the studio.
• Combined risks unique to puppy yoga: the risk that a puppy or dog interrupts a pose, lands beneath or on a participant, urinates or defecates on a mat or person, knocks over water or props, becomes overstimulated, behaves unpredictably toward another animal, or causes a participant to fall, twist, or otherwise lose balance.
• Other guests' conduct: the negligent, careless, reckless, or intentional acts of other participants, including handling animals roughly, ignoring instructions, moving through the space in ways that injure others, photographing without consent, or transmitting illness.
• Communicable disease: exposure to and contraction of communicable, contagious, infectious, or transmissible diseases of any kind, whether transmitted from animals or from other humans, including but not limited to influenza, COVID-19, norovirus, respiratory illness, and skin or eye infections.
• Property damage: damage to or destruction of personal property, including clothing torn or stained, phones cracked or chewed, bags soiled or chewed, jewelry lost, and items urinated or defecated on by puppies.

I understand that puppies and dogs are inherently unpredictable, that even friendly, well-socialized, and trained animals may bite, scratch, or behave in unexpected ways, and that Puppy & Flow cannot guarantee the temperament, behavior, vaccination status, or health of any animal in the room. I understand the list above is not exhaustive and there may be other risks not specifically described that are inherent to the Activity.

3. Express Assumption of Risk

I voluntarily choose to participate in the Activity with full knowledge of the risks described above and any other risks that may exist, whether or not specifically anticipated or described in this document. I expressly assume all such risks, both known and unknown, and I accept full personal responsibility for any injury, illness, disability, death, or loss of or damage to property arising from or related to my participation. This assumption of risk is in addition to, and not in lieu of, the release in Section 5.

4. Waiver of California Civil Code § 3342 (Dog Bite Statute)

I acknowledge that California Civil Code § 3342 generally imposes strict liability on the owner of any dog for damages suffered by a person bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place. In consideration of being permitted to participate in the Activity in the company of live, unleashed dogs and puppies, I expressly and knowingly waive any and all rights, claims, and causes of action I may have under California Civil Code § 3342 or any analogous statute, ordinance, or common-law strict-liability rule, against the Released Parties, for any bite, scratch, or other animal-caused injury I may sustain in connection with the Activity. I understand that this means I cannot recover against the Released Parties under a strict-liability theory and would need to prove gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct, which is not waived herein.

5. Release and Waiver of Liability

In consideration of being permitted to participate in the Activity, I, on behalf of myself, my heirs, spouse, domestic partner, children, parents, personal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns, hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue the Released Parties from any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, suits, costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees), losses, damages, judgments, and liabilities of any kind, whether known or unknown, in law or equity, arising out of or related to (a) my participation in the Activity, (b) my presence on or travel to and from the premises, (c) my interaction with any animal at or associated with the Activity, or (d) the conduct of any Released Party or other guest, including any such claim based on the ordinary negligence of any of the Released Parties.

I understand that I am giving up substantial legal rights, including my right to sue the Released Parties for ordinary negligence, and I am doing so freely and voluntarily. This release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the laws of the State of California and shall be effective whether or not the loss is caused by any act, omission, or negligence of the Released Parties.

Carve-out. This release does not apply to liability for gross negligence, recklessness, fraud, intentional or willful misconduct, violation of statute, or any other liability that, as a matter of California law, cannot be released or waived (see Cal. Civ. Code § 1668; City of Santa Barbara v. Superior Court, 41 Cal. 4th 747 (2007)).

6. Communicable Disease Acknowledgment

I understand that public gatherings — particularly those involving close contact with animals and other people in a shared indoor space — carry an inherent risk of exposure to and contraction of communicable, contagious, infectious, or zoonotic diseases. I voluntarily and knowingly assume that risk and release the Released Parties from any claim related to exposure to or contraction of any communicable disease in connection with the Activity, to the fullest extent permitted by law. I agree not to attend a class if I am, or reasonably believe I may be, contagious or symptomatic.

7. Indemnification

I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all loss, liability, claim, demand, damage, cost, or expense (including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs) they may incur as a result of (a) my participation in the Activity; (b) any claim brought by me, on my behalf, or by my heirs, family members, or estate that is released by this document; (c) any injury or damage I cause to another guest, any animal, the studio, or any third party; or (d) my breach of this waiver, including the rules referenced in Section 12.

8. Health Representations & Medical Authorization

I represent that I am physically and mentally fit to participate in the Activity and have no medical condition that would make participation unsafe for me or others, including but not limited to: pregnancy, recent surgery, dog allergy, asthma, immune deficiency, infectious or contagious illness, musculoskeletal injury, seizure disorder, syncope, cardiovascular disease, vertigo, or any condition aggravated by physical activity or animal contact. If I have any doubt, I have consulted a licensed physician before participating, and I assume the risk of not doing so. I understand that Puppy & Flow is not a medical provider and does not screen for or diagnose medical conditions.

I represent that I am not under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, or any medication that impairs judgment, balance, or motor function.

In the event of an injury or medical emergency during the Activity, I authorize Puppy & Flow and its staff to (a) call 911 or other emergency services; and (b) authorize and consent to emergency medical treatment on my behalf, including transport by ambulance and treatment at a hospital or emergency facility, if I am unable to do so. I agree to be solely and financially responsible for any medical care I receive or that is provided to me.

9. Personal Property

I bring personal property — including phones, cameras, bags, clothing, jewelry, water bottles, and yoga mats — to the Activity entirely at my own risk. Puppy & Flow is not responsible for lost, stolen, damaged, soiled, chewed, urinated on, or destroyed items, whether the damage is caused by an animal, by another guest, or otherwise. I am encouraged to leave valuables at home.

10. Photo, Video & Likeness Release

I understand that Puppy & Flow and its agents may photograph, audio-record, or video-record the Activity for marketing, advertising, promotional, social-media, editorial, training, and archival purposes. I grant Puppy & Flow a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, fully paid, sublicensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, publish, distribute, display, edit, adapt, and create derivative works from my name, likeness, voice, image, and biographical information in such media, in any format and on any platform now known or hereafter devised, without further notice, approval, inspection, or compensation. I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product and any right of publicity or privacy I may have under California Civil Code § 3344 or otherwise with respect to such use.

If I do not wish to appear in published photos or video, I will (a) notify staff in writing at or before check-in and (b) wear the "no photo" indicator provided at check-in. Puppy & Flow will make reasonable efforts to exclude opted-out guests from published media but cannot guarantee exclusion from all candid, background, livestream, or third-party (e.g., other guests') imagery.

11. Animal Welfare & Conduct Rules

I agree to follow all studio and staff instructions and to comply with the following rules:

• I will not pick up, restrain, feed, water, or discipline any puppy or dog without staff permission;
• I will allow puppies to approach me rather than chasing, cornering, or grabbing them;
• I will not use flash photography on animals, shout, blow whistles, or make sudden aggressive movements;
• I will not bring food, gum, chocolate, grapes, xylitol products, or any other substance toxic to dogs into the studio;
• I will report any animal behavior of concern (bites, nips, signs of distress, illness, lethargy, vomiting) to staff immediately;
• I will not bring my own pet into the studio (service animals excepted, with advance notice);
• I will follow all check-in, age, hygiene, and conduct rules, including those described in our Terms of Service.

Puppy & Flow reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to refuse entry, end participation, or remove any guest who poses a risk to themselves, other guests, staff, or any animal, or who violates these rules. No refund is owed in such case.

12. Minors (Under 18)

If the Participant is under 18, this waiver must be agreed to by their parent or legal guardian, who represents that they have full legal authority to do so. By agreeing on behalf of a minor, the parent or guardian:

• Confirms the minor is at least 12 years old (our minimum age) and meets our age policy;
• Confirms that, if the minor is 12–15, the parent or another participating adult (18+) will hold their own ticket and remain on the mat with the minor at all times;
• Releases, on behalf of themselves and the minor, all claims described in this waiver, to the fullest extent permitted by California law (see Hohe v. San Diego Unified Sch. Dist., 224 Cal. App. 3d 1559 (1990); Aaris v. Las Virgenes Unified Sch. Dist., 64 Cal. App. 4th 1112 (1998));
• Agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties for any claim brought by, or on behalf of, the minor arising from participation in the Activity, including claims that may be brought by the minor after reaching the age of majority.

13. No Insurance

I understand that Puppy & Flow does not provide accident, medical, hospitalization, or disability insurance for participants. I am solely responsible for my own insurance coverage and for any medical bills I incur.

14. Shortened Limitations Period

To the fullest extent permitted by California law, any claim, action, or proceeding arising out of or related to the Activity or this waiver (and not otherwise released herein) must be filed within one (1) year after the act, omission, or event giving rise to the claim, or it shall be forever barred. I waive any longer statutory limitations period to the extent permitted by law.

15. Electronic Signature & Records

I agree that this waiver may be signed electronically by typing my name in the signature field and clicking the agreement checkbox. I intend my electronic signature to be the legal equivalent of my manual handwritten signature under the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN, 15 U.S.C. § 7001 et seq.) and the California Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Cal. Civ. Code § 1633.1 et seq.). I consent to receiving and retaining this waiver in electronic form. Puppy & Flow may store, along with my signature, the date and time of signing, my IP address, my user agent, and the version of this waiver in effect at the time, all of which I agree may be used as evidence of my agreement.

16. Validity & Continuing Effect

This waiver is indefinite and applies to my current and all future participation in the Activity, including any future class, event, or session offered by Puppy & Flow, until I revoke it in writing to hello@puppyandflow.com or until Puppy & Flow publishes a materially updated waiver and requires me to re-sign. A revocation is prospective only and does not affect any release of claims that have already accrued. Puppy & Flow may, at its option, ask me to re-sign at any time, and continuing to participate after being asked to re-sign constitutes my reaffirmation of this waiver.

17. Severability & Entire Agreement

If any portion of this waiver is held to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, the remaining portions shall continue in full force and effect, and the invalid portion shall be reformed to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, preserving the parties' intent to release the broadest possible scope of claims. This waiver, together with our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, constitutes the entire agreement between me and Puppy & Flow regarding the subject matter and supersedes any prior oral or written understandings.

18. Governing Law & Venue

This waiver is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict-of-law rules. Any dispute arising from or related to this waiver or the Activity shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California, and I irrevocably consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of those courts and waive any objection based on inconvenient forum.

19. Acknowledgment

By checking the agreement box at checkout, by signing this document electronically or on paper, or by entering the studio to participate in the Activity, I acknowledge that:

• I have read this entire waiver and understand it;
• I have had the opportunity to ask questions and to consult an attorney of my choice before agreeing;
• I am at least 18 years old, or I am the parent or legal guardian of the minor Participant;
• I am signing this waiver freely and voluntarily, with full understanding that I am giving up substantial legal rights, including the right to sue the Released Parties for ordinary negligence and the right to bring strict-liability claims under California Civil Code § 3342;
• I intend my agreement to bind myself, my heirs, my spouse or domestic partner, my children, my parents, my personal representatives, my estate, and my assigns.

Contact

Questions about this waiver, requests to revoke it, or requests for an accessible alternative format may be sent to hello@puppyandflow.com or through the contact options on our homepage.